Whitney Matheson is a content developer in the USATODAY.com Life section. Her weekly Pop Candy column is a rundown of the joys and terrors of pop culture. (See the Pop Candy archive.)

Talk live to Whitney about today's culture scene, and get her take on what's hot and what's not. See previous transcripts here.

Comment from Whitney Matheson:
Is everyone in a great mood today? Well, me neither. I'm tired of the cold, gray weather! Capri pants are still but a dream... This is sure to cheer anyone up, however:
http://www.debrifield.com/maxpages/Stickers
Order now and you can receive a "What Would Joan Jett Do?" sticker. Hooray.
On to the questions -- write to me about anything you please. I'm especially interested in finding out where I can find a good area rug... the bare floors are bringing me down.
Atlanta, GA:
Is the actor that plays Stewart on "Spin City" the same actor that co-starred with Mathew Broderick in "Ferris Bueller?"

Whitney Matheson:
Yep, that's Cameron, aka Alan Ruck. Too bad Mia Sara's career didn't take off quite as well... her last TV appearance was in something called "Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story." Oooh.Modesto, CA:
I noted that Meadow Soprano lost a significant amount of weight before heading off to Columbia. Do you know which diet she was on?

Whitney Matheson:
Since I've only had HBO for two weeks, I didn't really notice Meadow's weight loss... but did you catch Joe Pantoliano on Leno last night? Aieeee! His berets frighten me.Memphis, TN:
Not even VH1's meddling can keep a good artist down. I agree the is pretty much fluff but you have to admit Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz and Jill Scott's performances were awesome. Even Aretha's commentary could not put a damper on the jazz greats thing. (However, it would have been nice if a few female jazz greats were tossed in.)

Whitney Matheson:
Yes, I must admit last night's lineup was pretty impressive. I'll have to catch a "Divas" rerun, though, because I was too busy eating vegan barbecue to watch last night.Wheaton, IL:
Hi Whitney. You couldn't be more right about 'Divas Live". Now I would never watch such a show in it's present incarnation, but if you were to produce it, I would be there with bells on. Your Kim Gordon take is dead-on, Sonic Youth makes people want to be creative. Why would VH1 want to keep that from the public?

Whitney Matheson:
Maybe they were too busy making Journey's episode of "Behind the Music" to plan a kick-arse "Divas." I suppose it's a fair trade-off, though -- I found Steve Perry's new hairdo quite fetching.Rockville, Md:
I didn't even bother tuning in last night -- it IS a boring show, and, frankly, Aretha gets on my nerves. Now, Chrissie Hynde and Joan Jett would be a whole 'nother ball game!!

Whitney Matheson:
Sounds like you need a "W.W.J.J.D?" sticker... they also offer Joan magnets! Right on.Tranquility Base, The Moon:
Debrah Harry. I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea what she's doing these days, but Blondie rocked my world as a young music addict. And who could possibly forget Videodrome? Yes, an awful movie in many ways. But Deb's performance in it still gives me shivers to this day. Please tell me you've seen Videodrome!

Whitney Matheson:
Sorry, Moon -- never seen it. I actually think Debbie might have a chance at next year's "Divas." Remember when VH1 was on that big Blondie kick? They're also a staple on "Pop-Up Video," which is a good sign...

Random confession: Yesterday I watched two hours of the "Making the Band" marathon on MTV. And you want to know the worst part? IT WASN'T ENOUGH.Union, New York:
Oh! Oh! Mr. Kotter!! Oh!
What's the name of that wonderful singer/actress that played the gospel singer on a number of Ally McBeal episodes a year or three back? I heard she's still doing good work, and certainly carried herself like a Diva. I'm kicking myself for not remembering her name right now.

Whitney Matheson:
First of all, let me apologize if these answers aren't coming very quickly... my computer is coughing. I may even have to re-boot in a second.

To answer your question, that was Jennifer Holliday -- a total diva.Dallas, TX:
I totally agree with you about the overlooked divas - especially Tori Amos. And what about Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLaughlan? Also, I realize that last night was supposed to be a tribute to Aretha... but they couldn't tear her away from the stage! What a stage hog!

Whitney Matheson:
I'm surprised Sheryl's never been on there, too... maybe it's because she often wears pants instead of evening gowns. Or maybe it's because she actually writes her own material. How criminal!washington dc:
will you sit through the upcoming josie and pussycats to see the latest from widow-peaked parker posey? (i have to admit the song in the trailer is pretty catchy.)

Whitney Matheson:
Um, no. For a good "Pussycats" laugh, though, take a look at Elvis Mitchell's scathing review in today's "New York Times." Here's the link.

In case you're wondering, I don't plan on seeing "Scooby-Doo" when it comes out, either. I am kind of excited about "Spider-Man," though -- that costume makes me tingle!Minneapolis, MN:
Hi Whitney,
Your diva list rocked I must say. By the way, I will marry you. Thanks

Whitney Matheson:
Thanks, but unless your name is Prince or Paul Westerberg, I must decline that proposal...

Another confession: I plan on seeing "Bridget Jones' Diary" this weekend. I don't care if Renee doesn't maintain the Brit accent! I also plan on seeing the Old 97's on Friday... when the alt-country princes arrive in your town, I advise you to do the same.Cary, NC:
I have 2 more divas for you: Pat Benatar and Debbie Harry. What's more diva-ish than "Heartbreaker," "Treat Me Right," and Blondie's "Rip Her to Shreds?"

Whitney Matheson:
You have NO IDEA how much I fancy Pat Benatar. I often fantasize about traveling the country, singing karaoke to "Love is a Battlefield" and "We Belong" in all 50 states...Vod, Ka.:
I will never acknowledge the legitimacy of any list of Divas until they include the oldest sister from the Partdrige Family. Oh, and you're right. There should be a 100 ft. tall statue of Joan Jett in some prominent place. How much does the woman have to do to get the recognition she deserves.

Whitney Matheson:
Don't ask me -- a couple years ago Joan shaved her head, and even that didn't get her much attention.Virginia:
Thank You, thank you, thank you for mentioning Tori Amos in your column!! I think I know why people might be intimidated by her - because she is a true artist and isn't afraid to speak what's on her mind.(Even if no one else is sure of what she's talking about). All of these females who have delved into this "thinking woman's music" (Alanis, Fiona, anyone involved in Lilith Fair), owe alot to Tori. She's been doing this for a much longer period of time and deserves the recognition! I hear she has a new album coming out, maybe this summer? I can't wait!

Whitney Matheson:
Have you ever checked thedent.com? It's one of my favorite sites for Tori news... they report a Tori tribute album will be released on June 12. Her new album is supposed to be released in September. Yay.Texas:
What makes you come up with all these story ideas?

Whitney Matheson:
My muse, a 3-foot garden gnome named Dwight. He says hello, by the way.South Charleston, WV:
Kudos to you for mentioning the "Divas" that VH-1 never seems to invite. How on earth Tori Amos hasn't been on there yet is totally beyond me.
Oh, and with regards to your worst movie question, I can answer that in 2 words - Dirty Dancing. I realize that this could get me killed in certain circles, but this film hurts me,and not in that good John Cougar Melloncamp kind of way, more like that having a root canal with no novacaine and at the same time having acid dropped all over your body kind. This film is truly a bad film in that it just proves that Hollywood thinks women need fluff films to come to the theater. This film has no meaning, no purpose and nothing worthy to give to society. Plus, it doesn't even have Mr. T in it. I mean, come on?!
I think the deep-rooted hatred stems from the fact that my mom forced me to listen to the soundtrack on EVERY car trip the family took and that she watched her "taped off of HBO" copy of it virtually every day. Finally, I sabotaged her by taping over it "accidentally" with the premiere episode of "Tiny Toon Adventures."
If you like the film, that's cool and all. I like plenty of films that others don't like (i.e. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension) and hey, to each their own.
Sorry for the rant. I leave you with the immortal words of Mr. T on "T Secrets" on Conan O'Brien: "Don't get too close. It's hard to pity a fool when you get too close." Hard indeed, Whitney, hard indeed.
Take care and, as always, great job with your column!
Kevin M. Pauley

Whitney Matheson:
Whew! I think that qualifies as the longest Pop Candy chat submission ever... maybe I should send you a USA TODAY umbrella or something.The Hellmouth, Sunnydale, CA:
Thank you for another splendid column today! My work week is a little bit better knowing there'll be a new Pop Candy every Wednesday!!
I appreciated your list of TRUE divas -- I was especially pleased that you included the incredible Kim Gordon and Alison Brown. They both have earned far more attention than they receive.
Another for your list would have been the exquisite and outrageously talented Polly Jean Harvey.

I highly suggest you check out that Alison Brown album... she even covers Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin'" on it. Classic!Gainesville, FL:
Ack! NO! Where's my box at the bottom?! It's like cereal without the special free offer I will never take advantage of on the back of the box; the cereal's still sweet and tasty, but something's missing ... please bring back the box!
Thanks, Whitney!

Whitney Matheson:
Are you serious? I found the box drier than a box of Cracklin' Oat Bran. And really, I'm no one to determine what's in or out... I'm actually wearing a Vision Street Wear T-shirt and orange tube socks as I write this.Palos Verde, California:
Have you seen Momento? Would you please explain it to me.

Whitney Matheson:
Haven't seen it yet... the last film I saw was "Blow." Mike Clark's review is dead-on.Arlington VA:
I was unfortunately subjected to that Divas show last night by virtue of my girlfriend controlling the TV remote. So do you think Tina Turner or Elton John would have emerged the victor if their spat had evolved into a mano-a-mano death match?

Whitney Matheson:
Tina, no question.cleveland, oh:
being the 80's pop guru that you are, maybe you can put all of our minds at ease by telling us where the Revolution (from Prince and the Revolution fame) are...

Whitney Matheson:
I wish I were cool enough to know that off the top of my head... but I'm not. Ask again next week, and I'll try to have the answer ready.

Book update: I STILL haven't finished "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" because I left it on a couch in Nashville. Dear friend, will you please mail it back to me?Portland:
Whit, I thought certainly you'd include Liz Phair on your "Diva's" list. No?

Whitney Matheson:
I'm still not over that weird commercial she did with Lil' Kim and my beloved Dwight Yoakam...Buffalo, NY:
So, what is the HOT color this summer???

Whitney Matheson:
Burnt sienna.Four Oaks, NC:
Whitney, my biggest brush with fame would have to be seeing you in Virginia around Christmas. Great column this week. Divas make me long for repeats of OJ, Elian, and the election! Which male artist should be featured on Divas next? Who can forget Elton John? See you this summer!

Whitney Matheson:
Hee. How's the weather down there? I can't wait to see you this summer either, if I can survive the coming months...

Soon everyone reading this will know what I'm talking about. But until then, I will just say Ric Ocasek is a total male diva. Don't deny it.Hayesville, NC:
So, your wearing orange tube socks and the Visionwear t-shirt. Perhaps you should consider appearing in videos for the new Journey album.

Whitney Matheson:
Oh, I really hope you're not kidding...

Believe it or not, it's time for me to go. I'll be back next week with another column and chat -- thanks for dropping by!